“The beautiful thing about pure plant oils is that they don’t require preservatives, so all of our oil products are preservative free. Our chic green glass bottles also work to keep them in perfect condition.”
Arabella Preston and Charlotte Semler
Co-founders of Votary
Votary are a brand that are fast becoming a cult classic; passionate about the power of plant oils and botanical actives they are focused on providing transformative results for the skin. I am a fan of their bestselling Cleansing Oil with Rose Geranium and Apricot Oil which provides the perfect aroma sensory experience. Blemish Prone Skin & Congestion
My own skin concerns through the years have heavily focused on finding remedies that reduce blemishes and congestion without causing excess drying of the skin.
Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid, an effective ingredient when it comes to tackling blocked pores due to the unique ways in which it exfoliates the outer skin cells and also targets what’s inside the pore, eliminating bacteria and excess sebum. Salicylic acid also helps reduce scarring and redness once the blemishes have disappeared.
Continuously using Salicylic acid will
ensure the compacted skin doesn’t have the chance to build up in the first place. Sebum production flows and the blocked pore cycle is stopped in its tracks. The anti-bacterial properties of Salicylic Acid will prevent secondary infection or inflammation from occurring.
The Super Glow Mask launched in the Spring of this year. I couldn’t wait to try this as well as their Rescue Mask which has been exclusively launched for a limited time and had only been available to spa clients. Arabella decided to make a super size version of their much-loved Blemish Rescue Oil so one could achieve those skin-spa results at home, zoning in on resolving congestion while leaving the skin conditioned and nourished.
Arabella kindly took the time to answer some of my questions about the inspiration of these oil based masks and how they work....
Could you explain where the inspiration came from to offer your consumers an oil based mask?
Salicylic acid works so beautifully in natural plant oils delivering bright, radiant skin.
Super Glow Mask is perfect as an at-home spa treatment or used as a double cleanse. It is brightening and delivers that famous ‘Votary glow’. Suitable for all skin types, Super Glow Mask helps to deep clean, nourish and smooth skin. Neroli oil provides a fragrance uplift which can enhance mood.
Despite launching it during Covid, it has been one of our bestsellers - we think it really delivers what customers want from an at-home treatment.
FACT
The Super Glow Mask contains 2% salicylic acid derived from the wintergreen plant
How would you incorporate The Glow Mask into your existing skincare routine?
The Super Glow Mask is the perfect double cleanse or treatment mask.
Once or twice a week, especially if your skin is feeling congested, dull or you've been wearing a lot of sunscreen or make up, Super Glow Mask applied for 5 - 10 minutes really helps to deep clean the skin without stripping it and upsetting the skin's microbiome.
What is your advice when trying to maintain a healthy skin barrier with regards to not over exfoliating the skin?
The skin's barrier function helps to protect your skin and keep it safe. It is designed to prevent loss of water from the skin and to prevent harmful irritants. Lipids are essential for strong, healthy skin and pure plant oils are bio-compatible with your skin's structure.
By using a natural plant oil cleanser or mask with a soft face cloth you will gently exfoliate the skin daily without over-exfoliating and harming the skin's barrier.
I also recommend protecting your skin from environmental conditions, be it sun or air conditioning or central heating. Really get to know your skin and when it needs a double cleanse or an extra layer of nourishment.
Could you explain the science behind treating blemished skin with pure plant oils?
It may sound counter-intuitive but when your skin is over-producing oil (sebum) stripping your skin with products that dry it out will only encourage the skin to produce more oil, so they work with the skin, not against it.
Plant oils promote healing by gently delivering a combination of essential fatty acids and appropriate hydration to your skin. There are so many lightweight pure plant oils ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin.
“Blemishes disappear so much faster if you don’t dry them out.”
Votary Blemish Rescue Mask contains salicylic acid from the wintergreen plant, and tamunu oil. The salicylic acid deals with dead, flaky skin, and the tamanu calms and soothes. Redness and inflammation is calmed. Healing is accelerated, and scarring and marking is minimised. Your skin stays soft rather than becoming scaly or peeling.
What are the key differences between The Glow Mask and The Rescue Mask?
Different plant oils will support the skin through specific concerns.
Super Glow Mask contains lightweight watermelon and passion fruit oils alongside nourishing avocado and peach. It is helps to gently coax the skin back to glowing health.
Rescue Mask was created as a spa product for helping to clarify oily and blemish-prone skin. We decided to offer this mask to customers as a limited edition at-home treatment as our spas were closed during Covid. Lightweight rice, oat and tamanu oils help to balance and treat the skin. Both masks contain natural BHA salicylic acid at 2%.
It is important to educate on the importance of protecting our skin against harmful UV rays all year round. What are the SPF products you are currently reaching for to help protect the skin against UV Rays?
My go-to SPF is La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid. My Thoughts...
I have been really impressed by the results I have achieved so far with each of these masks.
With bi-weekly use I have noticed an improvement in skin texture and the reduction of the scarring that can be left behind from the blemishes. They will work perfectly alongside my current skincare routine which is focusing on reducing the number of breakouts I am currently experiencing. In particular the Rescue Mask with tamanu oil performs as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that helps keep everything clean while accelerating the healing process.
To read my In Conversation Feature with Arabella Preston click here
For more information visit the Votary website here
